Prediction: Roma vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Serie A’s Saturday night clash at the Stadio Olimpico promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend, as second-placed Roma take on a resurgent Inter Milan. The Giallorossi will aim to end their nine-year wait for a home win over the Nerazzurri, while Cristian Chivu’s side chase a sixth straight victory in all competitions. It’s a meeting of Serie A’s strongest defence and its most prolific attack, in front of what is expected to be a packed Roman crowd.

Roma

Roma’s start to the season has been impressive, with five wins from six Serie A matches leaving them level with Napoli at the top of the table on 15 points. Their success has been built on the foundations of defensive solidity — the Giallorossi have conceded just two goals so far — and consistency under Gian Piero Gasperini, whose arrival has injected both structure and aggression into their play.

Their only domestic blemish came when Moise Kean’s moment of brilliance denied goalkeeper Mile Svilar another clean sheet. Still, Roma recovered well, beating Fiorentina 2-1 before the international break courtesy of goals from Matias Soule and Bryan Cristante. That result saw Gasperini set a personal record for both points collected and fewest goals conceded after the opening six rounds of a Serie A season, surpassing even his most successful early campaigns with Atalanta.

However, Roma’s European form has been less convincing. Earlier this month, they were beaten by Lille in the Europa League, and now face an Inter side that has long enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture. Gasperini’s worst defeat as a coach came against the Nerazzurri — a 7-1 humiliation back in 2017 — and his brief spell as Inter manager was one of the most difficult chapters of his career.

The Giallorossi have not beaten Inter at home since 2016, with their last eight meetings at the Olimpico producing five Nerazzurri victories. Although Soule scored the winner in the reverse fixture last season in Milan, Roma will need something special to break this long-standing jinx.

Team News

Roma’s defensive resilience has been impressive, but their attack has yet to fully click. Gasperini will be encouraged by the return of Leon Bailey, who is available for the first time since joining on loan from Aston Villa. The Jamaican winger has recovered from a minor injury and could feature from the bench. Left wing-back Angelino is also in contention to return.

Up front, Evan Ferguson — who has rediscovered his scoring touch for the Republic of Ireland — will compete with Artem Dovbyk for a starting role. Dovbyk recently netted his first Serie A goal and could be preferred for his link-up play and movement inside the box.

Inter Milan

Inter arrive in the capital brimming with confidence after five consecutive wins across all competitions. Their 4-1 triumph over Cremonese before the international break capped a superb run that has lifted them to fifth in the table, just behind the leaders. Chivu’s men have been prolific, scoring 17 league goals — more than any other Serie A team — with nine different players finding the net.

Their attacking variety has been key, but their away form has been equally notable. Inter have won each of their last four visits to the Stadio Olimpico and have scored in 11 straight away games against Roma, averaging more than two goals per outing. That record underlines both their confidence and consistency on the road.

Still, there are vulnerabilities. Half of the goals Inter have conceded this season have come in the final 15 minutes of matches, a lapse that Chivu — once a Roma favourite — will want to correct against his former club. A win here would move Inter above Roma in the standings and further cement their credentials as title contenders.

Team News

Lautaro Martinez remains the focal point in attack, having scored four goals in his last three club appearances. Yet Chivu has no shortage of alternatives. Ange-Yoan Bonny, who scored against Cremonese, offers energy and directness, while Francesco Pio Esposito — fresh from his first Serie A and international goals — provides a youthful spark.

However, Inter will again be without Marcus Thuram, who continues to recover from a hamstring problem. Matteo Darmian is also ruled out due to a calf injury, slightly limiting Chivu’s rotation options on the flanks.

Conclusion

This encounter serves as an early examination of both clubs’ title ambitions. Roma’s defensive organisation under Gasperini has made them hard to break down, but Inter’s fluid attack and depth of quality may give them the edge.

While the Giallorossi are capable of holding their ground and extending their unbeaten run at home, Inter’s momentum and firepower suggest they could once again find a way through — making a closely fought draw or a narrow away win the most likely outcome.

We’re going with the points being shared here.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet